This crochet cardigan is unlike the usual granny square style. It features a beautiful blend of squares and rectangles arranged in a creative handmade design that gives it a modern yet timeless appeal. The alternating horizontal and vertical stitches create an eye-catching texture while keeping the crochet pattern simple and enjoyable to make. Cozy, stylish, and fully customisable, this cardigan can be crafted in your favourite colours to match your personal style.
Easy Crochet Cardigan Pattern
You’ll crochet simple squares and rectangles before joining them together to create the cardigan's unique structure. The horizontal and vertical placement gives the cardigan its distinct pattern. Add some finishing touches like sleeves, edging, or even ties, and you’ll have a crochet cardigan that looks both elegant and handmade. It’s perfect for autumn or even as a light summer jacket when made with cotton yarn.
Credit WONDER NETTING
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Coran yarn (sport-weight, size 3 or 4, soft acrylic with wool).
- Each skein weighs 100g and has approximately 100-120m.
- Colors: Choose complementary colors.
- The number of skeins in each color is visible in the video.
- Crochet Hook: 6mm.
- Additional Tools:
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Blocking pins or sewing pins
- Water spray and an iron for blocking
Finished Size & Customization Ideas
- Square Dimensions: Each square measures 16 cm x 16 cm after blocking. Rectangles vary.
- Customization Ideas:
- Alternate the color placement for a unique design.
- Customize sleeve length or leave the cardigan sleeveless to make a vest.
- Add buttons or ties, or accessorize with a belt for a kimono-style cardigan.
Pattern Abbreviations & Terminology
- ch: Chain
- dc: Double crochet
- sc: Single crochet
- sl st: Slip stitch
- sts: Stitches
Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions
Squares and Rectangles
- Foundation Chain Using Double Crochet:
- Create a foundation chain using 18 dc. Instead of chaining 21 and crocheting from the 4th loop, you work a foundation chain with dc:
- Ch 3.
- Yarn over, insert the hook into the first loop, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through the first loop, holding it with your fingers.
- Complete the dc by pulling through two loops twice.
- Repeat until you have 18 dc for the foundation row.
- Create a foundation chain using 18 dc. Instead of chaining 21 and crocheting from the 4th loop, you work a foundation chain with dc:
- Color Changes:
- At the end of a row, leave 2 loops on the hook of the last dc, switch to a new color, and complete the dc.
- Leave long tails to weave in later.
- Turn your work and create an sc above the first stitch for straight edges.
- Rows:
- Crochet 9 rows for each square, with 18 sts across. Each row begins with 1 sc followed by dc across.
- Small Rectangles:
- Horizontal rectangles: Cast on 12 dc, work 9 rows. Make 3 rectangles in total.
- Vertical rectangles: Cast on 18 dc, work 6 rows. Make 3 rectangles in total.
Assembly – Squares & Rectangles
- Prepare for Assembly:
- Block all squares and rectangles to ensure uniformity.
- Use pins, spray water, and iron through a cloth; allow shapes to dry for 3–4 hours.
- Joining Pieces:
- Alternate between horizontal and vertical squares for the back and front panels.
- Attach rectangles vertically to the front panel where ties or buttons will be placed.
- Use sc to join pieces:
- Insert the hook into the first stitch of the vertical rectangle and into the first row of the horizontal square.
- Work 2 sc for each row of the horizontal square.
- Continue until all back and front pieces are joined vertically.
- Join horizontally, ensuring alignment. Leave spaces for sleeves.
Sleeve Construction
- Sleeve Rectangles:
- Vertical Rectangle: Cast on 38 dc, work 12 rows (blue color example).
- Horizontal Rectangle: Cast on 24 dc, work 19 rows (green color example).
- Block these shapes as well before attaching.
- Sleeve Assembly:
- Join smaller sleeve rectangles at one edge using sc.
- Attach sleeves to the cardigan edges using sc:
- Use 2 sc per row to join to one upper square, then join to 3 rows of the second square.
- Close the sleeve with slip stitches at the bottom.
Edging & Ties
- Edging:
- Work 1 row of sc around the entire edge of the cardigan, including the sleeves.
- At vertical square edges, work 2 sc per row.
- Follow with a second row of sl sts, working loosely to prevent puckering.
- Ties:
- Create ties on the front using chains and sl sts:
- Insert the hook into the edge, pull up a loop, and chain 50.
- Work sl sts into chains from the second loop to secure.
- Create ties on the front using chains and sl sts:
5. Finishing
- Weave in Ends: Use a tapestry needle to hide all loose ends.
- Blocking Final Piece: Block the finished cardigan for a polished look.
6. Optional Customization
- Leave Sleeveless: Stop at the vest stage and accessorize with a belt.
- Add Buttons: Sew buttons to the front rectangles or crocheted ties to attach with loops.
Congratulations!
Your crochet cardigan is now complete. It’s a stylish, ethereal autumn piece, perfect for layering.
